Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday, unveiled Makarios Aquatic Park located in Aiyeteru, Ibeju along the Lekki-Epe Expressway in Lagos.
The N6bn project is celebrated as the first multi-sensory aquatic park in sub-Saharan Africa.
The innovative park is expected to offer a unique recreational experience and serve as a major attraction, boosting tourism and the local economy in the area.
The project, envisioned and developed by Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, underscores a commitment to transforming the region into a premier destination for both residents and visitors.
Ashimolowo is an entrepreneur and founder of Kingsway International Christian Centre, KICC, and the Chairman of Makarios Luxury Properties Limited.
Sanwo-Olu, who alongside many dignitaries was treated to a stunning view of jets of water moving in perfect harmony with musical rhythms, described his experience as that of “power of imagination and bringing imagination to reality”.
He said, “With those things that we see in other parts of the world, the inspiring landscape we hear about, bringing them here, the least we can do is to acknowledge and appreciate it. As your governor, we are proud of this masterpiece this evening.
“For us, it is about being an enabler of the greater things to happen. As Lagos continues to be home for all of us, it is also a future we all aspire to. Lagos is not only growing, but it is also a very resilient and forward-looking state.
“When we see investments from our citizens or foreigners coming to the city, we are always very encouraged to support those investments. I assure you that this is the beginning of a lot of things that will be happening at the Makarios.”
The governor commended Ashimolowo for the huge investment, noting that the Lekki corridor has been the fastest-growing corridor in Africa thus luxury living and properties will still come and differentiate the axis from others.
“Putting this here to salivate the development that is to come here is very inspirational,” Sanwo-Olu added.
Speaking on the inspiration behind the Makarios Aquatic Park, Ashimolowo, who revealed that his dream was to transform Lagos into a global hub of sophistication and leisure, said the concept was borne out of his experience in Dubai during the COVID-19.
According to the preacher and author, he reimagined waterfront living, bringing the essence of Dubai’s iconic waterfront right to Lagos, Nigeria.
Moreso, he observed that whenever he visits Nigeria with his grandchildren, they get easily bored as there are fewer places to take them to.
“It became obvious to me that I could do something and be a part of the legacy. I wanted to be part of the solution and answer this question. People wanted to come to Nigeria but there are no tourist places to visit. That’s what gave birth to this place. I am very glad it has happened. I have lived in the United Kingdom for 40 years —and I still live there. I don’t want to be part of those Nigerians in the Diaspora who are always lamenting. That is what most of them do. I want to be part of solving problems,” said Ashimolowo.
He described the Makarios Aquatic Park as an uncommon, unusual water display show. “A symphony of water, sound, and music, mesmerizing to the eyes, to the mind and the spirit. Firstly, you see water dancing, secondly, you see water responding to music, thirdly you see water mixed with laser light and fourthly you see water rise,” he stated.
The Makarios Water Fountain is one of the few that has a water screen in the middle. It has 180 pumps that form a water screen and shoot about 12 meters with no building around, the wind can blow the water. As the water rises, it meets with the one cascading down to form a spectacular scene.
The entire Makarios Ecosystem comprises both business and leisure districts. Built with the upper middle class and upwardly mobile people in mind, aside from the Aquatic Park, the entire Makarios Luxury Place will be a community where work, leisure, and luxury coexist harmoniously. Works are ongoing at the iconic shopping mall —sprawling across 8000 square meters—, a plush hotel as well as a 10-storey Imperial Towers with over 800 living spaces including chic apartments and elegant terraced and detached houses.
“Makarios is designed to be more than just a residence; it’s an experience. Our vision is to offer a lifestyle that transcends boundaries, creating a world where dreams meet reality,” he said.
The Makarios Aquatic Park opens to the public on Saturday, June 15, 2024.
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